Introduction

Due to the global pandemic, Sacramento State University once again needs to move their design spring show to a virtual format. There were 3 routes we could take, Wayfinding, Website, and VR. I decided to go with the website route. Since the current COVID situation is constantly in flux, it would be safer if individuals saw students' work from home.

Goals

My main goal is to create a website that is very navigable, as well as put a spotlight on student work. In order to do so, I'll have to do some research on the usability of other portfolio websites, as well as the past website used for the 2020 Spring Show.

Research

Moving into research, I used four methods: Proto-personas, Triads, Comparative Assessment, and a Mood board. These are important in understanding how users will interact with the website, and prove useful when thinking of features to include on the website.

Proto-personas

Creating personas is one method of research, that allows us to understand the current user experience. I have chose to focus on 3 users: student, parent, and professional.

Proto-personas

Triads

Think of triads as a form of brainstorming. You start out with words you associate with the experience, then narrow it down to three. After doing so, you'll think of a list of nouns, adjectives, and verbs that exemplify the combination of those 3 words. The three words I chose were Inspiring, Youthful, and Interactive.

Triad

Mood Board

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/1fe45a11-f317-4804-916f-d71c16070723/Mood_(1).png

When creating the mood board, I focused on what I learned in the triad workshop.

Using the words I connected with the three words I had chosen, I came up with this graphic.

For example, I took the word "youthful", and thought of green and bright. This lead me to think about spring and new life. Something that is budding. Hence, the flower and leaves.

I also wanted to create a sense of inspiration. Currently, gradients and abstract shapes are en mode, a sort of "new wave" in graphic design. Using these elements, I hope they give a sense of inspiration, since these elements are a kind of example of a new generation in graphic design.

The colors I decided on also connect to spring, and putting a spotlight on student work, with contrasting white and black.

Comparative Assessment

Looking at the top Graphic Design school's websites, I was able to compile and compare each student showcase experience to that of the Sacramento State's current online showcase.